Patna: The Bihar government has stepped up plans to transform JP Ganga Path (Marine Drive) into a major public recreation and riverfront destination, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directing officials to expedite the development of integrated gardens, parking facilities, cafeterias and other civic amenities along the corridor.
The directions were issued during a review meeting in Patna on Sunday, where officials presented the progress of ongoing and proposed projects under the JP Ganga Path Integrated Garden Project.
Wide Range Of Projects Reviewed
During the meeting, Saurabh Jorwal, Managing Director of the Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL), presented updates on several projects planned along the riverfront.
The review covered works including:
- Water Metro jetty
- Parking facilities and commercial spaces
- Ground development
- 25 MLD and 100 MLD sewage treatment plants (STPs)
- LCT Ghat and a 50-shop complex
- Botanical garden
- Sports grounds
- Butterfly park
- Bans Ghat Crematorium Complex
- Mandiri Nala connectivity
- Waste-to-Wonder Park
- Patna Smart City park development
- Mahila Haat and Kala Gram
- Digha Rotary development
- Proposed Ganga channel project
Faster Execution Ordered
The Chief Minister instructed officials to accelerate construction and complete projects within the prescribed timelines.
He also directed departments to prepare an action plan that takes into account rising Ganga water levels and future connectivity with the Koilwar Expressway, ensuring public movement remains unaffected during floods.
Officials were instructed to develop adequate parking facilities at intervals of 1.5 to 2 kilometres along JP Ganga Path and prepare plans for constructing foot-over bridges wherever required to improve pedestrian access to the riverfront.
Golghar And Ganga Ghats To Be Enhanced
The Chief Minister said Golghar, one of Patna’s most recognisable landmarks, should be developed into a more attractive public destination.
He directed officials to establish a cafeteria within the Golghar complex and renovate the historic water tower near the Patna High Court.
He also asked departments to seek public suggestions to make the JP Ganga Path Integrated Park Project more useful, accessible and attractive for residents.
Long-Term Riverfront Vision
The meeting also discussed preparing a phased integrated master plan for the development of the Ganga riverfront from Buxar to Bhagalpur.
Officials were instructed to focus on systematic riverfront development, optimal land use and improved public amenities.
Special emphasis was placed on upgrading Ganga ghats to improve facilities for devotees, particularly during Chhath Puja.
As part of the proposal, a 6.5-kilometre Ganga channel is planned between Kurji and Kali Ghat in Patna.
Senior Officials Attend Review
The meeting was attended by senior officials from multiple departments, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, Urban Development and Housing Department Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar, Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal, Water Resources Department Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar, BSRDCL Managing Director Saurabh Jorwal, and Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Nandkishore.
